Abstract

Objective: This study explored the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) prevalence and various demographic, lifestyle, and clinical parameters in Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among adults attending outpatient clinics or healthcare facilities in urban and rural healthcare institutions, using structured face-to-face interviews and closed self-administered questionnaires. IBS diagnoses were based on Rome IV criteria, and logistic analyses were performed to determine associations between IBS and demographic, lifestyle, and clinical factors.
Results: The study included 290 people, with the majority being female (58.6%) and single (51.7%). An IBS prevalence rate of 25.9% was found with significant associations (p < 0.05) between IBS and factors such as age, smoking status, food hypersensitivity, and IBS family history. Smoking raised the risk of IBS by more than twice as much (OR = 2.12, 95% CI: 1.07-4.20), whereas food hypersensitivity (OR = 3.02, 95% CI: 1.12-8.08) and a family history of IBS (OR = 3.49, 95% CI: 1.50-8.12) were associated with above three-times risk. Gender inequalities were noted, with females having a higher prevalence of IBS.
Conclusion: These findings highlighted the necessity of controlling IBS by addressing demographic, lifestyle, and genetic variables, particularly in Saudi Arabia, including targeted therapies that focus on lifestyle modification and food management.

Key words: Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), prevalence, risk factors, lifestyle, Saudi Arabia